Tue Nov 05 09:05:10 UTC 2024: ## Supreme Court Upholds Validity of UP Madrasa Act, Limits Degree-Granting Powers

**New Delhi:** The Supreme Court of India has upheld the constitutional validity of the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Act, bringing relief to over a million students studying in madrasas across the state.

The court, in a landmark judgment delivered on Tuesday, ruled that the act is not against the Indian constitution. The decision comes after the Allahabad High Court had previously struck down the act, declaring it unconstitutional.

The Madrasa Act, enacted by the Uttar Pradesh government, regulates the operation and administration of madrasas in the state. While acknowledging the right of madrasas to issue certificates up to the 12th standard, the Supreme Court also clarified that they cannot award degrees like ‘Kamil’ and ‘Fazil’, as this would violate the UGC Act.

The apex court emphasized that the awarding of degrees falls under the purview of the UGC Act and not state laws. The ‘Kamil’ and ‘Fazil’ degrees are equivalent to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees respectively, and are currently awarded by the UP Madrasa Board.

The judgment is expected to impact the future of education in madrasas in Uttar Pradesh. While the act allows for the continued operation of madrasas, it limits their authority to issue higher education qualifications.

The judgment was delivered by a bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. The court had reserved its judgment after concluding the hearing on October 22nd.

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